Twickenham Conservative Association was delighted to welcome Jack Rankin MP, Member of Parliament for Windsor, as guest speaker at our AGM on 22 May 2025.
Jack gave members a fascinating insight into life as a full-time Member of Parliament, including the pace of Westminster, the demands of constituency work and the experience of asking questions in the House of Commons. He explained that being called to speak can be something of a lottery, but also a thrilling part of representing constituents in Parliament.
He also spoke about the challenges now facing the Conservative Party, with only 120 Conservative MPs compared with 403 Labour MPs. His remarks gave members a clear sense of the scale of the task ahead, as well as the importance of rebuilding, campaigning hard and making the Conservative case with confidence.
Members were particularly interested to hear Jack speak about the importance of maths, numeracy and a more evidence-led approach to politics. Drawing on his own background in mathematics and physics, he made the case for serious policy thinking rooted in facts, figures and practical outcomes.
Jack also spoke about the values that shaped his Conservatism. He described the experience of his parents setting up in business, working hard and gradually improving their family’s standard of living. It was a powerful example of Conservative principles at work: enterprise, aspiration, responsibility and giving the next generation greater opportunities than the last.
Cathy Howe, our Communications Officer, chaired the discussion and asked a series of serious questions about Parliament, politics and the future of the Party. These were followed by a round of quick-fire questions, giving members a more personal glimpse of Jack’s life outside politics.
Members discovered that Jack’s favourite ice cream is mint choc chip, and that with two small children, aged one and three, alongside a full-time job as an MP, he has very little time left for leisure activities of his own.
It was an enjoyable and insightful evening, and we are grateful to Jack for joining us and speaking so openly with members.
